Veterinary behaviorist Gary Landsberg demonstrates how to improve the aggressive behavior dogs during veterinary examinations. He quickly changes Rusty's typically traumatic clinic visit into a positive opportunity to learn.

He uses a head collar for the majority of his behavior cases, and Gentle Leader is the one he uses.

Landsberg prefers using a head collar when working with aggression cases because it gives the dog the opportunity to learn. It also helps change their emotions, which then changes behavior. Muzzling may get the job done, but the dog's anxiety level and behavior in future visits may stay the same or get worse.

When the humans involved are confident in their ability to safely handle the dog, their own calm behavior has a positive effect on the animal.

In the initial assessment, Rusty is fearful, anxious, and when touched quickly becomes highly aroused and reactive. He trembles, climbs his owner, yelps, tucks his tail, and attempts to bite. He has a history of biting when handled. Past veterinary visits have been stressful for both owner and pet, and dangerous for clinic staff.

Landsberg uses a professional assistant who keeps the leash very short for control yet still loose. If the dog attempts to snap or bite, gentle pressure up and forward closes the dog's mouth for safety. Immediately releasing the pressure reinforces desirable behaviors of relaxing and allowing handling. The assistant and owner reward with high value food treats and quiet praise, which help change the dog's conditioned emotional response (CER) to being examined.

The goal for this first visit is to be successful, safe, and ensure a positive experience for the dog. With multiple visits to practice these exposure exercises, behavior is expected to improve over time. Successful experiences likes these teach the dog to be calm and accept handling. The dog learns that good things happen during veterinary examinations.

Rusty's owner was very pleased with this first session, and says his behavior was much better than in previous visits.

Pets benefit when veterinarians take the time to improve a pet's clinic behavior. Owners who no longer dread clinic visits are more likely to bring their pet in for routine veterinary care.